Due to a steady increase of COVID-19 hospitalizations, the March of Dimes Canada has postponed OpportuniTea with Kate Linder and Friends. The December 11 date would have been the first time in three years that the event, hosted by Kate Linder (Esther Valentine, The Young and the Restless) would have been held in person.
In a statement regarding the event's postponement, the organization said, "The health and safety of everyone in attendance, including the audience and our special guests from the cast, is of paramount importance. The interaction between the cast and the attendees in particular -- requires greater caution. Moving the event to spring -- after flu season, March Break, and when COVID cases are expected to decline -- will be safer for everyone involved and ensure attendees can enjoy the experience of connecting with their favourite faces from Genoa City."
Out of an abundance of caution, we've decided to postpone the annual OpportuniTea to late Spring 2023. The health and safety of our attendees and Y&R guests are our priority, especially heading into the holiday season. Learn more: https://t.co/Qas9JcCDkL @KATELINDER #MODCTea pic.twitter.com/nksp4DWoJy
- March of Dimes CA (@marchofdimescda) November 9, 2022
Linder also shared her disappointment about not being able to hold the event this year. "My castmates and I were so looking forward to seeing everyone live and in-person again next month but we understand the need for caution so that everyone stays healthy and happy and is able to enjoy a wonderful holiday season. We look forward to seeing you in late April or early May."
Linder has been an ambassador for the March of Dimes Canada since 2012. She began hosting the teas to benefit the organization's Conductive Educational (CE) program in Toronto and Calgary. This year, she was going to be joined by fellow Y&R cast members Christian Jules LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin), Bryton E. James (Devon Hamilton), Brytni Sarpy (Elena Dawson), Mishael Morgan (Amanda Sinclair), Camryn Grimes (Mariah Copeland), and Cait Fairbanks (Tessa Porter).
The March of Dimes Canada also stated that a new date will be announced once they have made arrangements with Linder and the cast. If you have already purchased a ticket for the event, be on the lookout for an email regarding the postponement. You will also be given an option to receive a full refund or transfer to the new date. Stay tuned to Soap Central for information about the new date once it becomes available.
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